Sunday liquor bill sails through committee, heads again to House Floor

If you’re a supporter of Sunday liquor sales, don’t pop the bubbly just yet: A compromise plan to lift the ban on Sunday liquor sales was approved Tuesday by the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee, but could face a battle on the House Floor.

HF30, as amended, sponsored by Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), would lift the statewide ban on Sunday liquor sales. But unlike the other six days of the week, the bill would limit sales from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Monday through Saturday sales would remain available between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Approved on a 15-4 vote, the bill would also ban Sunday alcohol deliveries, a compromise Loon said was added because of concerns raised by carriers.

“This issue has been ripe for compromise for years,” Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) said. Halverson, who worked through college at a mom-and-pop border store, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and “small, slow steps” in changing Minnesota’s liquor laws.

“This is a change that consumers have been seeking and retailers have been seeking for a number of years in Minnesota,” said Loon, who’s sponsored similar legislation in past years.

While the bill has bipartisan support and House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) has publicly said it might be time to change the law, it also has bipartisan opposition. Four legislators voted against the bill – Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL-Minnetonka), Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) and Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent).

There is no Senate companion.

Some small business owners have long said the bill will allow big box retailers, armed with more employees and resources, to dominate a market that they say currently encourages competition through its regulations.

“Irrespective to your views of this legislation, it’s important for you to know that the current system of regulation of alcohol works well in the state of Minnesota,” Tony Chesak, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association executive director, told the committee.

“Our system is smart and balanced. It works well,” he added. “We urge you to continue to recognize the benefit that exist and resist destructive changes that might upset the current balance that does exist.”

Last year the House shot down a Sunday liquor sales bill 70-56, and by a 75-57 vote in 2015.